What it's like to stay at the newly re-opened Huka Lodge

The newly re-opened Huka Lodge received a glow-up after a year of renovation.

BY Megan Arkinstall

Last updated . 03 April 2025

After a multimillion-dollar, year-long refurbishment, one of New Zealand’s most exclusive luxury lodges is welcoming guests again.

Founded in 1924 as a humble fishing camp, Huka Lodge has become world-renowned as a place of unrivalled luxury and service, with the staggering beauty of the Waikato River at its doorstep. Under the helm of Australian-owned Baillie Lodges, the cherished 40-year-old lodge has been given an extensive refurbishment that has modernised its look and offering while retaining its timeless charm.

Location

an aerial view of Huka Lodge on Waikato River in Taupo, New Zealand

Huka Lodge is situated along the banks of the emerald-blue Waikato River.

On Aetearoa, New Zealand’s North Island, Huka Lodge is set on a seven-hectare property that skirts the emerald-blue Waikato River in Taupo. The country’s longest river begins its journey high up in Mt Ruapehu, passes through Lake Taupo and rushes through a narrow volcanic gorge to create Huka Falls, less than a kilometre from the lodge. The abundance of trout in the river attracted Huka Lodge’s Irish founder Alan Pye, who established a humble fishing camp here in 1924. It was later sold to Alex van Heeren who built the current lodge in 1984.

The property is a six-minute drive from the lakeside town of Taupo. Here you’ll find cafes and restaurants, boutique shops, scenic cruises on Lake Taupo and hot pools, naturally heated by the region’s geothermal activity.

Fly from Auckland or Wellington to Taupo Airport, which is a 15-minute drive from the lodge. Alternatively, take the 3.5-hour drive or 70-minute helicopter flight from Auckland.

Style and character

The newly re-opened lodge received a glow-up after a year of renovation.

Huka Lodge reopened in March 2025 after an extensive year-long refurbishment. Led by Baillie Lodges founder James Baillie, the redesign included an expansion of the main building and modernisation of the interiors. The project was executed by Auckland-based architect Christian Anderson, interior designer Virginia Fisher and landscape designer Suzanne Turley. Both Fisher and Turley worked with van Heeren on the original design.

A long driveway past verdant green lawn and gardens leads to the port cochere. There’s a welcoming country-lodge feeling as soon as you step inside the lodge. The lodge is a communal space for all guest to dine and lounge. It’s warmed by multiple open fireplaces in winter and cooled by sliding open the oversized French doors in summer, with the ever-present sight and sound of the rushing Waikato River outside.

an elegant living room interior with pendant lights and a fireplace at Huka Lodge

The lodge exudes a homey feel with country-style, premium furnishings.

The Dining Room has high ceilings hung with a trio of repurposed copper and brass pendant lights recommissioned from a ship. Rich red rugs line the timber floor, tan leather banquettes are scattered with red tartan cushions, antique furniture beautifully fills spaces, and gilt-framed original artworks adorn the walls, which are painted in an emerald blue reflecting the river outside.

The River Room is a new space at the front of the main building, designed with floor-to-ceiling windows to capture the beauty of the Waikato River. There are multiple seating areas placed around a double-sided, aged-brass fireplace, which features a painting by New Zealand artist Philip Holmes of a Māori chieftain. The room is furnished with the lodge’s original lounge chairs that have been reupholstered or restored in deep green velvet, leather and premium fabrics and scattered with Fisher’s signature tartan cushions. It’s the perfect spot to sink into a lounge with a glass of wine and a book.

the River Room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Waikato River

Admire the beauty of the Waikato River through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the River Room.

Indoors harmoniously flow into the adjoining Outdoor Terrace, which features custom-designed, neutrally hued and contemporary furniture by local maker Devon. There is a crackling open fire and overhead heaters here to keep guests cosy year-round.

Overall, the aesthetic is not dissimilar to the original. The lodge exudes a homey feel with country-style, premium furnishings, accented by rich colours and textures. Fisher set out to keep to a 1920s and 1930s theme, a nod to when the lodge was founded, however, it still feels modernised. The expansion adds more space and gives guests plenty of opportunity to find a private nook to relax, whether inside by the fire or outside in the sunshine.

Facilities

an outdoor terrace with a plunge pool at Huka Lodge

Watch the river rush by from the terrace.

Spread over seven hectares, the reimagined Huka Lodge is cleverly designed with multiple spaces for its guests to unwind, indulge and play. The main lodge is central to the property, comprising the River Room, Dining Room and Outdoor Terrace as places to dine and lounge, as well as three private signature dining spaces including the Piper Room and The Loft upstairs.

The lodge overlooks the river, lawn and manicured country gardens, which feature a waterfall and pond frequented by ducks, and seasonally flowering plants as well as established redwoods.

the wine cellar at Huka Lodge, New Zealand

The wine cellar houses premium New Zealand drops.

Opposite the main building, the cavernous Wine Cellar holds some 4500 bottles, 97 per cent of which are New Zealand drops. This is a signature dining space that guests can request for dinner, lit by candlelight. Above is The Orchard, an alfresco signature dining space set by a fireplace and surrounded by gardens.

There’s also a hedge-framed tennis court and lawn games, a swimming pool, and the newly added Wellness Grounds, which includes a gym, two spa rooms, a sauna, a cold-water immersion and an outdoor hot plunge pool that is nestled in greenery.

Rooms

a look inside one of the suites at Huka Lodge, New Zealand

The riverfront suites offer enchanting views.

The lodge has 20 riverfront suites and two multi-bedroom owners’ residences. The spacious suites are accessed by a lush tree-lined walkway and feature raked ceilings, a four-poster king or twin king-single beds – Baillie Beds which are custom made by AH Beard – and a lounge area. A walk-through wardrobe with a bar leads to the bathroom, which comprises heated floors, double vanities, a shower and a deep bathtub that has a window framing the verdant gardens outside. A small deck leads onto the sprawling riverfront lawn, with two sun loungers for watching the water rush by.

The light and spacious bathrooms have all the indulgence you need.

In contrast to the main lodge building, the colour palette of the suites is pared back and neutral, with light timbers, whites and soft greens complemented by premium linens and throw rugs. Some suites include a fireplace. Every detail is considered, from the custom-made Ashley & Co products and candles to the complimentary-use Huka Lodge backpack and hand-stitched slippers.

There is also the two-bedroom Alan Pye Cottage and the four-bedroom Alex Van Heeren Cottage. Both standalone residences feature two and four ensuites respectively, a fully equipped kitchen, an outdoor terrace with a plunge pool, a heated spa and courtyard gardens.

Food and drink

a close-up of food at Huka Lodge, New Zealand

The menu puts a spotlight on New Zealand’s finest produce.

All stays at Huka Lodge include breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and canapes, dinner and a daily replenished mini bar, which is stocked with local delights such as Lewis Road Creamery iced coffee, Phoenix Organics juice, Te Tera Martinborough pinot noir, Sawmill beers, a nut mix made especially for Huka Lodge and cheese by Over the Moon Dairy. A light a la carte lunch is available at an additional cost.

the dining room with copper and brass pendant lights at Huka Lodge, New Zealand

Breakfast is served continental style in the Dining Room.

All meals are enjoyed in the Dining Room or at one of the signature dining spaces, if pre-arranged. Breakfast is served continental style or can be ordered a la carte, while dinner is a daily changing four-course affair with matching local wines. The menu will always showcase New Zealand produce, such as Mount Cook Alpine Salmon, Cambridge duck, Bill’s lamb, Hawke’s Bay plum and Taupo honey.

Does Huka Lodge have access for guests with disabilities?

The main lodge building and lodge suites are ground-level and accessible in a wheelchair.

Is Huka Lodge family-friendly?

The lodge welcomes children from 10 years and older, however, children under 16 are not permitted to attend pre-dinner drinks or dine with other guests, so private dining options must be organised.